Coffey County Hospital Receives New Certification and Quality-Based Accreditation

Coffey County Hospital marked two significant milestones this summer: achieving certification as a Critical Access Hospital and national accreditation from DNV GL Healthcare. Accreditation assures that Coffey County Hospital meets or exceeds all patient safety standards set forth by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The hospital received official confirmation from CMS on August 17.

“This is truly a touchstone for Coffey County Hospital, as it marks the first time we have achieved both certification and accreditation in our 63-year history,” said Coffey Health System Chief Executive Officer Leonard Hernandez. “Our staff has worked hard to meet the goal of providing Coffey County and the surrounding area with a fully accredited health system, and I am very proud of their achievement.”

This accreditation applies not only to Coffey County Hospital, but also to Sunset Manor, the hospital’s long-term care unit located in Waverly.

Unlike other accrediting agencies, DNV GL takes hospital accreditation much farther by integrating the internationally recognized ISO 9001 Quality Management System. Coffey County Hospital has three years from the date of its accreditation to achieve compliance with ISO 9001, the world’s most trusted quality management system. ISO 9001 is used by performance-driven organizations around the world to advance their quality and sustainability objectives.

DNV GL’s accreditation program involves annual hospital surveys, instead of the typical three-year cycle. Hospitals are also encouraged to openly share information across departments and to discover improvements in clinical workflows and safety protocols.

“We have taken an entirely different approach to accreditation, and hospitals are really responding,” says DNV GL – Healthcare CEO Patrick Horine. “Since accreditation is a must-have credential for just about every hospital in this country, why not make it more valuable and get more out of it? That’s where ISO 9001 comes into play, and turns the typical ‘get-your-ticket-punched’ accreditation exercise into a quality transformation.”

“The DNV GL program is consistent with our long-term commitment to quality and patient safety,” said Hernandez. “The ability to integrate ISO 9001 quality standards with our clinical and financial processes is a major step forward for Coffey Health System as a whole.”

About Coffey Health System
Coffey Health System offers a wide range of healthcare services in Coffey and Woodson Counties. In addition to Coffey County Hospital, five physician clinics serve patients in Burlington, Gridley, LeRoy, Waverly, and Yates Center. The CHS continuum also includes Coffey County Emergency Medical Services; The Meadows, CCH Home Health Agency, and CHS Rehabilitation & Wellness Services in Burlington; and Sunset Manor long-term care in Waverly.